The 10th Edition of the Tunisian Women Entrepreneurs Awards (FET) Celebrates Innovative and Resilient Women
The 10th edition of the Tunisian Women Entrepreneurs Awards (FET) took place on February 24, 2025, organized by the magazine Managers in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and the European Union delegation. This event celebrated nine women entrepreneurs whose innovative, resilient, and high-impact projects marked the year. Among them, Malak Boukthir, founder of Ecofeed, was distinguished as Woman Entrepreneur of the Year and won the Jeun'ESS award in the social and solidarity economy (SSE) category. The winners received a check from the sponsors and access to a mentorship program led by the Tunisian Women Entrepreneurs Club, offering personalized support to develop their projects.
The Birth of Ecofeed: A Story of Passion and Innovation
The idea of Ecofeed was born out of Malak's deep attachment to her childhood memories in the oases of Gabès, surrounded by her uncle's cows. These animals, almost like family members, left a mark on her heart. However, between 2015 and 2018, she helplessly witnessed the gradual sale of the cows to feed the rest of the herd, a situation that deeply touched and motivated her to act. With a degree in civil engineering, she sought a solution to replace imported cattle feed, which was expensive and unsuitable for the local climate. Her emotion turned into determination when she discovered the potential of agricultural waste and alfalfa, an abundant resource in Gabès. This quest, fueled by her love for her region and its inhabitants, gave birth to Ecofeed, a company that combines innovation and tradition preservation.
Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Success
Creating Ecofeed was not without its challenges. Malak faced complex administrative and regulatory hurdles, including contradictions in the specifications that delayed the project's launch. Despite these frustrations, her perseverance and passion enabled Ecofeed to see the light of day in 2023, with a capital of 750,000 dinars. Today, the company offers 12 products adapted to different animal species and collaborates with local farmers, creating a virtuous circle of economic and environmental stability. With international ambitions, Malak is now exploring new markets, such as Libya and the Gulf, driven by the hope of making her project shine beyond Tunisian borders. Her journey, marked by emotion, resilience, and innovation, is a true source of inspiration.
